Top 10 Performance Catamarans, 2024/2025
It’s getting to the end of the calendar year, and that time we start thinking of our letters to the big guy with the beard.
A Holiday Wishlist
It’s that time when the wind nips at your nose (unless you are Down Under), the sea calls to your soul, and the faint sound of Bing Crosby echoes across the marina.
For catamaran fans, the real question isn’t whether you’ve been good or bad—it’s which performance catamaran should top your wish list. Here are 10 top contenders for 2024 and 2025.
Windelo 54
The Windelo 54 is all about eco-conscious performance. With hybrid propulsion and a focus on sustainability, it’s the leader of the pack in eco credentials. But don’t let the green credentials fool you—it’s no slouch in speed or luxury.
“Dear Santa, I’ve been good to the planet this year, so can I please have this eco masterpiece?”
ITA15.49
Sleek, chic, and Italian through and through, the ITA15.49 is where high performance meets gorgeous design. With its carbon fibre construction and impeccable attention to detail, this catamaran is as fast as it is fashionable.
“Forget the sports car with a bow on top—this is the Italian masterpiece I want in my driveway (or dock).”
Ocean Renegade R6
The Ocean Renegade R6 is a beast, pure and simple. It offers blistering speed, clever use of space, and the kind of edgy design that screams, “Try to keep up!” Perfect for those who like their sailing with a side of adrenaline.
“If Santa doesn’t deliver this one, I’ll have to renegade my way onto one myself.”
HH52
The HH52 combines cutting-edge technology with the grace of a speed skater. It’s a favourite among those who crave high mileage days and stability. Plus, its customizable options mean you can make it as unique as you like.
“Santa, think of it as a sleigh upgrade—just add a mast and sails!”
ORC57
With a focus on weight reduction and efficiency, the ORC57 feels like it’s gliding on air. Its carbon fiber construction ensures speed, while its functional yet beautifully designed interior mean you’ll glide in style.
“This yacht goes faster than your average New Year’s resolution fades.”
Gunboat 80
The Gunboat 80 is the ultimate performance cruiser—equal parts rocket ship and penthouse suite. At 80 feet of pure innovation, it’s for those who believe that bigger and faster is always better. There is no compromise on this yacht.
“The Gunboat 80 shoots across the water. Yes please!”
Dazcat 1295
The Dazcat 1295 is a quintessential British performance catamaran: understated, efficient, and utterly dependable. Its lightweight design and agility make it perfect for competitive sailors.
“Think of it as the James Bond of catamarans—suave, sophisticated, and lethal in the Fastnet.”
Outremer 52
Outremer’s reputation for building fast, safe, and seaworthy cats shines brightly with the Outremer 52. This model balances comfort and performance, making it ideal for long-haul adventurers who like to get there quickly.
“Outremer means ‘overseas,’ and this cat will get me there faster than Rudolph on a caffeine kick.”
Schionning Arrow 1280
Designed for speed and simplicity, the Schionning Arrow 1280 is a DIY dreamboat for those who don’t mind a bit of elbow grease. It’s a high-performance marvel, perfect for sailors who know their way around a toolbox. Of course, you can always outsource the build to the experts
“Santa, if you bring me this, I promise I’ll spend less time tinkering with my dinghy in the garage.”
Catana Ocean Class
Catana’s Ocean Class blends performance with bluewater cruising capabilities. It’s tough, fast, and built for adventure. Plus, it comes with that touch of French flair that makes everything better and a large potion of living space. This is probably the roomiest boat on the list, but she still moves.
“Père Noël, surely you can sneak this one into my Christmas stocking?”
Thoughts
From eco-friendly innovators to blisteringly fast cruisers, this list proves there’s a performance catamaran for every sailor’s dream (and budget—if Santa’s feeling generous). So go ahead, write that letter to the North Pole. The only thing better than a white Christmas is one spent on turquoise waters at 20 knots.
Notable Mentions
It’s tough to pick 10 performance catamarans when there are so many great examples. Here are a few that could have easily made it onto the list if we weren’t good at counting.
Kinetic KC54
The KC54 is one that should have made it onto the Top 10 really. We only left it off due to the price. It’s a pretty small niche they are targeting (I know we included the Gunboat 80, but we have that on account of it being probably the fastest boat on the list).
Balance 526
We would have included the new hybrid models coming out of the South African yard, but they are still a way off from launch. The 526 is still an excellent design though.
Current Marine CM46.
What is it about South Africa and Performance Catamarans? Here’s another great design, but they’re a pretty small operation still.
